A return-map algorithm for general associative isotropic elasto-plastic materials in large deformation regimes

The present paper addresses a flexible solution algorithm for associative isotropic elasto-plastic materials, i.e. for materials whose elastic and plastic behaviors are described through an isotropic free-energy function, an isotropic yield function and an associative flow rule. The discussion is relative to a large deformation regime, while no hardening mechanisms are included. The algorithm is based on a combination of the operator split method and a return map scheme. Both the algorithm linearization and the requirements for the yield criterion convexity are discussed in detail. Finally, to show the algorithm flexibility and performance, the discussion is specialized to three yield criteria and some test problems are studied. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.